Microsoft to Allow Alterations of Windows

Yesterday, Microsoft said they will change how they license the Windows operating system.

By IGN Staff

In a response to a ruling last month by a U.S. appeals court, Microsoft has decided to allow changes to the way its software is installed on computer systems.

Now, the Redmond, Washington-based company said, sellers will be allowed to remove access to its web browser and make other alterations. Last month, the U.S. appeals court said some of Microsoft's licensing practices were illegal.

Of course, the most significant change in the way the software behemoth is doing business is that PC makers will be able to remove icons for Internet Explorer (IE), if they want. IE is at the heart of the government's anti-trust case, because Microsoft had bundled the browser with Windows, and forbade PC makers from removing the program since they were battling rival Netscape's browser.

PC makers also will be able to add other icons to computer desktops, such as RealNetworks' RealPlayer, or the America Online icon. That means a change in the design of Windows XP, the next iteration of Windows, which originally was to be nearly free of icons. Microsoft said, however, that the change will not delay the roll-out of Windows XP, which is scheduled for an Oct. 25 launch this year.